Overview of Energy-Water Program Areas

Recommendations of the Energy-Water SWOT

May 2006

National Energy Technology Laboratory

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Energy-Water Issues and Current Program Activities

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Water-Energy Issues:Thermoelectric Power Generation

Thermoelectric power generation withdrew 39% of all freshwater withdrawn in the US in 2000, according to USGS report.

Thermoelectric power generation consumed only 3% of freshwater consumed in 1995 (the most recent year water consumption data is available).

Other impacts of thermoelectric power generation: Thermal pollution Intake structure entrainment Air pollution becomes water pollution

U.S. Freshwater Withdrawal (2000)

Thermoelectric, 39%

Public Supply, 13%Domestic, 1%

Irrigation, 40%

Livestock, 1%

Aquaculture, 1%

Industrial, 5%

Mining, 1%

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New Restrictions on Once-Through Cooling Considered

California State Lands Commission proposal, dated February 9, 2006, calls for elimination of once-through cooling at existing coastal power plants in 2020.

California has 21 coastal power plants that use once-through cooling. Located on bays and estuaries where sensitive fish

nurseries are located. Authorized to withdraw and discharge 16.7 billion

gallons of ocean water daily. California State Water Resources Control

Board recommended assessment of alternatives before adoption of the resolution.

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Water-Energy Issues: Coal Production

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) from both active and abandoned mines is a concern.

2002 EPA report estimates that 10% of pollution-impaired rivers and streams in the US is a result of natural resource extraction operations.

Coal washing also impacts water quality and quantity.

(DOE, 2005)

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Water-Energy Issues:Natural Gas and Oil Production

Approximately 10 barrels of produced water are pumped to the surface for each barrel of oil produced in the US.

Coalbed methane produced waters are a major concern in Wyoming and Montana.

Produced water is considered a waste product and may contain: volatile compounds, organics, ammonia, solids, and hydrogen sulfide.

Currently most common disposal methods are surface discharge or re-injection for disposal or enhanced production.

EPA is considering further discharge regulations on produced water quality.

Oil and Gas Producing States (API, 2005)

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Water-Energy Issues:Electricity for Water

The connection between energy and water works both ways: Water is needed for fossil fuel extraction,

processing, and electricity generation. Electricity is necessary for water treatment and

water pumping. Water and wastewater systems consume 3% of

the annual U.S. electricity consumption according to a 1999 Electric Power Research Institute report.

In California, an estimated 7% of all electricity consumed is used for pumping water.

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Water-Energy Issues:Regulations and Legislation

Clean Water Act and its Amendments provide for the regulation of discharges to the Nation’s surface waters

Safe Drinking Water Act requires actions to protect the Nation’s public drinking water supply.

Additional state and regional regulations apply and vary with location.

Energy Policy Act of 2005 instructs the Secretary of the DOE to address issues related to adequate water supplies, optimal management, efficient use of water, and efficient use of energy.

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Current NETL Energy-Water R&D- Strategic Center for Coal -

In 2002, NETL initiated R&D activities under its Innovations for Existing Plants (IEP) program specifically directed toward developing cost-effective approaches to better manage freshwater use and water quality impacts associated with coal-fired power plant operations.

The program goal is to reduce power plant water withdrawals and consumption by 5-10 percent by 2015 and to minimize potential impacts on water quality.

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IEP Water Activities

IEP energy-water R&D expenditures averaged approximately $1 million per fiscal year for 2002-2005. Non-Traditional Sources of Process and Cooling

Water Innovative Water Reuse and Recovery Advanced Cooling Technology Advanced Water Treatment and Detection

Technology

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New IEP Projects for FY 2006-07

The IEP program selected seven additional projects in November 2005 with a total value of more than $5 million. Development and demonstration of mine water usage to

cool thermoelectric power plants Investigation of the use of condensing heat exchangers

to recover water from boiler flue gas Evaluation of condensing technology applied to wet

evaporative cooling towers Development of membrane separation and scale-inhibitor

technologies to enable power plant use of impaired waters

Pilot-scale demonstration of use of a variety of impaired waters for cooling

Demonstration of regenerative heat exchange to reduce fresh water use in plants with wet flue gas desulfurization

Development of scale-prevention technologies and novel filtration methods

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Current NETL Energy-Water R&D- Strategic Center for Natural Gas and Oil -

The Oil and Gas Environmental Program addresses water-related issues including the injection of water for oil recovery, produced water and its effects on the environment, treatment of process waters, and the availability of water in arid lands.

Individual projects fall into two general categories. Water management approaches and analyses. Produced water management technology and

beneficial use.

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Oil and Gas Environmental Program- Water Management Approaches and Analyses -

Effluent limitation guidelines for CBM produced water. Impacts to underground freshwater sources from

hydraulic fracturing of CBM wells. Evaluation of water and waste issues that could effect

the gas and oil industry. Hydrology, geochemistry, microbiology, geology, and

ecosystem dynamics of the Osage-Skiatook Petroleum Reserve sites.

Phytoremediation and salinity reduction of CBM produced waters.

Produced water management practices to extend productive life of oil and gas wells.

Produced water quality and infrastructure GIS database for New Mexico.

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Oil and Gas Environmental Program- Produced Water Management Technology and Beneficial Use-

Use of ionic liquids for produced water treatment. Use of infiltration ponds for CBM produced water

treatment. Life cycle assessment of produced water and waste

management practices. Analysis of state programs related to the security,

reliability and growth of the nation’s domestic production relating to the use of groundwater.

Hydrophobic aerogel technology to remove organic compounds from drilling and produced waters.

Reverse osmosis through molecular sieve zeolite membranes to treat CBM produced waters.

Computational tool to predict water-soluble organic content in brines from deep-well off-shore oil production.

Validation of toxicity tests to evaluate the potential for beneficial use of produced water.

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Current NETL Energy-Water R&D- Geosciences Division (OSER) -

Research directed at water issues related to the cradle-to-grave use of fossil energy. Better understanding of hydrological and geological

systems that are impacted by the extraction and use of fossil fuels.

Remote sensing systems and advanced technologies that simplify and reduce the cost and complexity of AMD treatment operations and make use of the beneficial properties of mine water.

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Geosciences Division (OSER)

Airborne Geophysical Mapping Application of airborne sensing and geophysical analysis

tools for assessment of watershed-scale areas. Modeling and Laboratory Simulations

Study flow in fractured rock on a microscopic scale. Core flow laboratory that allows NETL researchers to

measure rock properties and permeability at various pressure and temperature conditions

Mine Pool Treatment and Beneficial Use Construction and evaluation of a water-powered

treatment system at an abandoned anthracite mine. Demonstration of a semi-passive water treatment

system, consisting of an overshot water-wheel powered lime feeder installed at a standard aerobic wetland.

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Current NETL Energy-Water Efforts- Office of Systems, Analyses & Planning-

Analysis and quantification of key effects of potential future climate change on the U.S. electricity sector.

Use of the Energy Information Administration’s 2004 Annual Energy Outlook reference case forecast of electricity generating capacity to estimate future freshwater requirements for both total and coal-based thermoelectric generation.

Study of power plant water consumption focusing on Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power systems.

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Recommended Program Areas

Water and Energy Reduction and Recovery from Fossil Fuel Production

Advances in Water Use for Power Plant Cooling Innovative Water Reuse and Recovery for Power

Plants Technology Development for Use of Non-Traditional

Waters Development and Application of Analyses and

Technology Concepts

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Water and Energy Reduction and Recovery from Fossil Fuel Production

Oil and Gas Approximately 10 barrels (420 gallons) of produced

water are pumped to the surface for each barrel of oil produced in the United States.

Coal Bed Methane Coal bed methane produced waters are a major

issue in Wyoming and Montana. Coal

Coal mining also impacts freshwater, with the greatest impact due to acid mine drainage.

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Program Element Description

Water and Energy Reduction and Recovery from Fossil Fuel Production Produced water is a concern to oil, gas, and CBM

producers. Acid mine drainage is a problem faced by coal producers

Current NETL research focuses on produced water and examines treatment and beneficial uses of the water

Proposed program element would continue and expand research on reduction and recovery of energy and of water resources during fossil fuel production.

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Produced Water Forecast

Produced Water Forecast (MMbbls) by AEO Resource TypeLower 48 Onshore

-

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

2004 2008 2012 2016 2020 2024

Wp Total

Wp from Conv Oil

Wp from Conv Gas

Wp from Unconv Gas

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Water Production Associated With Coal Bed Methane Extraction

Note: 1 barrel of water equals 42 gallons.

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Water and Energy Reduction and Recovery from Fossil Fuel Production

Research areas would include: Produced water management Approaches to revolutionize water treatment and

turn waste by-product into a resource. Application of various airborne and ground-based

geophysical techniques for the mapping of expanding mine pools and as tools for predicting and reducing hydrological impacts for future mining operations.

Engineering post-mining water use for both abandoned and active mining operations.

In-situ water treatment and water handling schemes that would permit energy recovery options.

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Water and Energy Reduction and Recovery from Fossil Fuel Production

Proposed Menu of RD&D Projects Timing

Engineer the quality of the mine pool and the infrastructure that would be needed for eventual use of mine pool water during the active mining phase of the operation. Mid-Term

Develop improved coal mining techniques that minimize impacts on water availability and quality.

Investigate energy recovery applications for mine pool water storage/recovery activities.

Long-Term

Demonstrate use of coal mine voids for water storage and geothermal applications.

Demonstrate water treatment technology for use of produced waters for agriculture and potable water applications.

Demonstrate technologies for locating infiltration

impoundments in the Powder River flood plain.

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Advances in Water Use for Power Plant Cooling

Innovative Water Reuse and Recovery for Power Plants The United States Geological Survey estimated that

in 2000, U.S. thermoelectric generation used approximately 136,000 million gallons of freshwater per day, accounting for approximately 39% of freshwater used in the country.

Technology Development for Use of Non-Traditional Waters Water quality requirements for many

energy applications can be less restrictive than for other applications such as drinking water supplies or agricultural applications.

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Program Element Description

Advances in Water Use for Power Plant Cooling: Innovative Water Reuse and Recovery for Power Plants Thermoelectric power generation withdrew an

estimated 39% of all freshwater withdrawn in 2000 Current NETL research involves technologies to

reuse power plant cooling water and associated waste heat to recover water from coal and power plant flue gas

Proposed program element would continue and expand current research. Program expansion would involve development of system analysis tools and procedures for systematic power plant management.

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Freshwater Withdrawal by Sector in 2000

U.S. Freshwater Withdrawal (2000)

Thermoelectric, 39%

Public Supply, 13%Domestic, 1%

Irrigation, 40%

Livestock, 1%

Aquaculture, 1%

Industrial, 5%

Mining, 1%

Source: USGS. Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2000, USGS Circular 1268. March 2004.

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Innovative Water Reuse and Recovery for Power Plants

Research areas would include: Cost-effective alternatives to the use of freshwater

in power plants via advances in dry cooling through development of better heat transfer materials.

Other improvements in cooling technology that would require less water or involve less consumptive loss.

Recovery of water from high moisture content low rank western coals.

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Advances in Water Use for Power Plant Cooling: Innovative Water Reuse and Recovery for Power Plants

Proposed Menu of RD&D Projects Timing

Investigate reclamation and/or recycle of waters that would traditionally be discharged to local water bodies.

Near-TermResearch the recovery of water from high moisture content low rank western coals.

Develop technologies to treat alternative water sources to meet power plant quality standards.

Mid-Term

Improve cooling technology to enable reduced water withdrawal and consumption.

Long-TermDevelop better heat transfer materials to improve dry cooling.

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Program Element Description

Advances in Water Use for Power Plant Cooling: Technology Development for Use of Non-Traditional Waters Water quality requirements for energy applications

can be less restrictive than other applications Current NETL research developments cost-effective

approaches to using non-traditional sources of water to supplement power plant needs.

Proposed program element would continue and expand current research. Expansion would involve use of non-traditional waters by all sectors of the power industry.

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Example of Mine Pool Utilization

Benefits to mine pool water utilization:

Provide cooling makeup water for adjacent and downstream power plantsProvide water to river during low flow to benefit in-stream use and biological systems.Dilute unregulated point and non-point pollution dischargesControl mine floodingImprove quality of mine pool/CBM produced waters

Source: DOE/NETL. Electric Utilities and Water: Emerging Issues and R&D Needs. Presentation. April 2003.

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Technology Development for Use of Non-Traditional Waters

Research areas would include: Non-traditional waters for energy projects located in

arid or water challenged areas. Examination of existing infrastructure issues. Application of storm water energy recovery

approaches. Use of non-traditional waters by all sectors of the

power industry.

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Advances in Water Use for Power Plant Cooling: Technology Development for Use of Non-Traditional Waters

Proposed Menu of RD&D Projects Timing

Investigate use of mine pool water for power plant applications.

Near-TermInvestigate use of produced water for power plant applications.

Create and maintain a reliable database of quantity and quality of conventional (surface and ground) and alternative water resources. Mid-TermResearch existing infrastructure issues and their impacts to uses of non-traditional waters

Investigate use of industrial wastewater for power plant applications.

Long-TermInvestigate use of brackish water for power plant applications.

Investigate use of municipal wastewater for power plant applications.

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Development and Application of Analyses and Technology Concepts

A broader understanding of issues related to water and energy is necessary to achieve lasting success in their reduction, reuse, and recovery. Development of analysis and planning tools is

integral to the success of the other recommended program areas.

Development of tools, sensors, data, and geographical information systems that enhance understanding of energy- water issues and aid in the development of novel concepts for their mitigation.

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Program Element Description

Development and Application of Analyses and Technology Concepts Broader understanding of water and energy issues is

needed to achieve lasting success in their reduction, reuse, and recovery

Current NETL efforts include OSAP studies and assessments of complex, large systems and interactions among those systems

Proposed program element would continue and expand current systems analysis. Expansion would involve development of analysis tools, applications, and assessments related to water-energy issues.

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Development and Application of Analyses and Technology Concepts

Development of tools and sensors to conduct: Geographical information system (GIS) analysis. Investigation of the hydrogeology of watershed-

scale areas. Analysis of the cost of water treatment processes. Assessment of policy and regulatory issues.

Areas of analysis would include: Reduction of the long-term costs of acid mine

drainage. Water resource needs for longer-term future energy

scenarios. Long-term research requirements.

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Development and Application of Analyses and Technology Concepts

Proposed Menu of RD&D Projects Timing

Develop advanced sensors and other techniques to improve management of water resources.

Near-Term

Investigate impacts of long-term future energy scenarios on proposed program areas.

Perform techno-economic studies of water-related technologies currently funded by NETL.

Assess the impact of advanced cooling technologies on FutureGen.

Determine projected national and regional water demand under various scenarios.

Assess available systems/technologies for produced water management/treatment focusing on marginal wells and the costs of acquiring, treating, managing, and discharging produced water while clearly identifying the cost drivers.

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Development and Application of Analyses and Technology Concepts (Continued)

Proposed Menu of RD&D Projects Timing

Conduct a power plant cooling system performance study that incorporates sensitivity to regional climate variations.

Mid-Term

Estimate the quantity of water needed for potentially new Fossil Energy program areas, such as emerging energy resources and technology.

Investigate the possibility and impacts of IGCC integration with municipal waste water treatment plants and desalination plants.

Investigate the relative change in water usage and consumption for distributed generation compared to central station power generation.

Assess the impact of increased rate of mining over historical experience on water quality and availability.

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Development and Application of Analyses and Technology Concepts (Continued)

Proposed Menu of RD&D Projects Timing

Improve analytical methods associated with lower-level water pollutants.

Long-Term

Evaluate key regulations/policies in each state with respect to their impacts on produced water availability/management, and determine R&D needs.

Investigate the impact of various hydrogen economy “futures” on water resources.

Study methods to reduce the long-term costs of acid mine drainage treatment.